One of the most effective ways to improve your running technique is through form drills that accentuate specific aspects of good form and train your body to repeat those specific movements while you are running. Many drills also exaggerate various aspects of the running motion, as well as isolate and work the specific muscles involved which can help improve your running time. Drills should be done after a warm-up but before any quality work such as speed sets. Click on these links to learn how to do some key running drills.

Dealing with Injuries

Many of us who are endurance athletes have at one time or another experienced a sports-related injury that has set us back in our training. Injuries can be minor or severe but all injuries should be treated with caution and care. At the onset of pain, we should immediately stop our training and assess how and if to proceed. At HPT we always recommend a professional opinion when pain persists despite rest. Dr. Sergai Delamora is not only an outstanding sports medicine doctor, but he is also a 5-time Ironman finisher. He understands how we think as athletes and can relate to our eagerness to stay on track. Dr. Delamora works carefully and thoroughly with his patients to ensure they can return to activity in a safe and healthy manner.

Treating Soft Tissue Issues

Active Release Technique (ART) and Graston Technique are two common forms of soft tissue treatments that help get sore or injured muscles functioning properly again. Many endurance and elite-level athletes swear by these treatments to not only heal from injuries, but also to improve athletic performance. Dr. Stuart Weitzman is a Chiropractor trained in various health and wellness techniques. As an avid endurance athlete with many marathon and IRONMAN races under his belt, he understands the athlete's mind and training. Dr. Stuart Weitzman has been in charge of the Active Release Technique (ART) tent at Ironman Lake Placid since 2011, so he is very familiar with endurance athletes and sports. He can get you back on track more quickly than traditional therapies and modalities because his knowledge is as extensive as his hands are healing. Visit his website for more information on his treatments and background.

Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine

Acupuncture is a collection of procedures involving penetration of the skin with needles to stimulate certain points on the body. In its classical form, it is a characteristic component of traditional Chinese medicine. It has been categorized as a complementary health approach.

Anthony Gordon is currently earning his Doctorate in Acupuncture and works with many elite athletes who are recovering from injuries or are simply looking for performance optimization.

Hope for Injuries that Seem to be Misdiagnosed

For those of us who commit a lot of time to fitness, training and racing, we know injuries can be both physically and mentally debilitating. We would do almost anything to heal quickly so we can get back on track with our training. Perhaps the worst injuries are those for which doctors don’t seem to have an answer. In those instances, we have to stay positive and sometimes think outside of the box.

Dr. Peled is an expert in peripheral neuropathy; nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system. Unfortunately, most of his patients seek his help only after they have tried “everything” because his area of expertise is not well-known. His specialty is highly unique so few patients know to seek his help.

Luckily, a simple consultation and nerve block can help Dr. Peled quickly assess whether his procedures will provide a likely solution. For those suffering from unexplained joint or nerve pain or from “explained” pain that has not responded successfully to more conventional treatment, there is hope.

Train and Race with the Pros

RaceQuest Travel is not your typical travel coordinator. They don't just provide you with accommodations, they provide you with

an experience. The founders of RaceQuest are triathletes themselves and they know what it's like to manage the travel to a destination event. Kelly and Krista will handle all of the logistics and planning and make the event fun for your travel companions as well. All you have to do is show up and race! By the way, they have highly coveted slots to races that are sold out so you can actually register for a race you thought was off the market!